Now it's been reported that another key piece of casting has been finalized. According to 'Entertainment Weekly,' the role of Wildling girl Ygritte has gone to 'Downton Abbey' actress Rose Leslie.

She played Lady Sybil's protégé, housemaid Gwen, in Season 1, at the end of which Gwen left Downton to work as a secretary.

And that's not all. Jon Snow's sword, the mighty Longclaw, will be making a cameo appearance on 'The Big Bang Theory,' and an NBC comedy will reference the HBO drama this week. Find out more after the jump!

The character of Ygritte, who meets Jon Snow on his adventures beyond The Wall, is described as "strong-willed, witty, skilled in battle and survival in the wilderness. An unconventional beauty, skinny but strong with red hair."

According to the blacksmiths behind Longclaw, Jon Snow's blade -- a.k.a. The Bastard Sword -- will be wielded by Sheldon in Thursday night's episode of 'The Big Bang Theory.'

Joking that now they're waiting for 'Community' to do a 'Game of Thrones'-themed episode (how unbelievably awesome would that be?), the people at Valerian Steel say they "no idea if they will mention the sword's name, or where it is from, or where to buy it, but the exposure alone is amazing."

'Game of Thrones' author George R.R. Martin seems pretty pleased as well, noting that there have been shout-outs to his creations recently in 'Castle' and 'Grey's Anatomy.'

Adding to the list of shout-outs is an upcoming 'Game of Thrones' reference in this week's 'Parks and Recreation' episode. No, Ron doesn't say that the Tammys in his life are scarier than the White Walkers north of The Wall. It's just a brief mention, but a fun one, and we won't give away the details so 'Thrones'-heads can enjoy the 'Games'-manship on Thursday night.